Practical activities that support design and technology concepts
The resources on this page have been selectively chosen for the educative value, for instance
Co-operative learning opportunity - students able to work, think and discuss ideas together.
Problem solving - hands on activities - students are able to analyse and describe what is happening with their project as well as be able to generate theories as to why for instance, load an important consideration when designing and constructing a bridge and/or evaluate why the use of triangle shapes are used for truss bridges rather than than squares shapes (strength) through investigative design, which can be adapted to suit student learning requirements.
Apraising technology - students are able to select a variety of solutions to the same problem, think about ways of improving the design, testing with various materials, paper, plastics, spaghetti etc...
A variety of materials have been sources so that the teacher has an opportunity to demonstrate design aspects considering costs of materials as well as providing diversity of experiences.
Co-operative learning opportunity - students able to work, think and discuss ideas together.
Problem solving - hands on activities - students are able to analyse and describe what is happening with their project as well as be able to generate theories as to why for instance, load an important consideration when designing and constructing a bridge and/or evaluate why the use of triangle shapes are used for truss bridges rather than than squares shapes (strength) through investigative design, which can be adapted to suit student learning requirements.
Apraising technology - students are able to select a variety of solutions to the same problem, think about ways of improving the design, testing with various materials, paper, plastics, spaghetti etc...
A variety of materials have been sources so that the teacher has an opportunity to demonstrate design aspects considering costs of materials as well as providing diversity of experiences.
Paper Bridges - load
This video talks about how the design of structures effects the load capacity on simple paper bridges.
Materials needed for classroom activity:- coins or weights, four index cards, scissors, two permanent marker pens, & worksheet to record resutls. (One set for each student).
Materials needed for classroom activity:- coins or weights, four index cards, scissors, two permanent marker pens, & worksheet to record resutls. (One set for each student).
Science Buddies - The effect of bridge design on weight bearing capacity
This project enables students to build bridges with a range of materials to investigate its weight bearing capacity. Great opportunity for team work and investigation. Students could each be given different variables to see whose bridge is the strongest. Cross curricular opportunities in mathematics - see http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/effect-triangle-size-strength-truss/ for further details on triangle size and its effect on the strenght of a truss bridge.
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/CE_p011.shtml
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/CE_p011.shtml
K'nex in the classroom
K'nex Education Real Bridge Building
Bring STEM concepts to life with K'NEX® Education! The Real Bridge Building set is designed to assist students in their study of the history, function, structural design, geometry and strength of bridges. They will also investigate concepts related to the physical properties of materials and their application in the placement, design, and construction of bridges. The use of this produce helps enable the student to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts taught through problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning and critical thinking.
Follow the link for further information about K'nex http://www.knex.com/building_toys/real_bridge_building.php
Bring STEM concepts to life with K'NEX® Education! The Real Bridge Building set is designed to assist students in their study of the history, function, structural design, geometry and strength of bridges. They will also investigate concepts related to the physical properties of materials and their application in the placement, design, and construction of bridges. The use of this produce helps enable the student to focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts taught through problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning and critical thinking.
Follow the link for further information about K'nex http://www.knex.com/building_toys/real_bridge_building.php
CSIRO -Structure Challenge
This activity will assist the student to learn about design considerations - compression and tension and how these forces enable the stability of a bridges structure. Follow this link to find out more about this activity. http://www.csiro.au/helix/sciencemail/activities/harbourbridge.html
or follow link to kidslife for an adapted version http://www.kidslife.com.au/Page.aspx?ID=1447
or follow link to kidslife for an adapted version http://www.kidslife.com.au/Page.aspx?ID=1447
CSIRO - Spaghetti bridges
This activity will assist the student to learn about design considerations - compression and tension and how these forces enable the stability of a bridges structure. Follow this link to find out more about this activity. Follow the link to find out more about this activity.
http://www.csiro.au/helix/sciencemail/activities/SpaghettiBridges.html
http://www.csiro.au/helix/sciencemail/activities/SpaghettiBridges.html